
Suggest Treatment For Cracks On The Fingertips

Ive been getting these cracks in my skin. On the tips of my fingers I have these paper cut size splits caused by playing guitar. The problem is i have a blood borne illness phobia and im concerned about these cracks in my skin being an entry point for viruses. I know this is strange, but unfortunately this is just how my mind tends to wonder. Yesterday a customer was playing a guitar and then handed it to me. Seconds later, I was playing on the same guitar and one of the strings cut into the tip of my finger. If this customer had the same kind of splits in his skin from playing guitar could I catch anything from having that same string cutting into my finger? In my mind I just see the string cutting into his skin and then some microscopic amount of blood being left on the string which then cuts into my skin. I never saw any bleeding. The cut in my finger was red on the inside and I could feel it sting but it was not deep. If this is nothing to worry about how deep would the cut have to be for there to be a risk? I do realize this is irrational and something that most other people would not worry about. I'm just trying to talk to someone and work through it. Mostly what im worried about is HIV exposure.
Very minimal and only theoretical risk
Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us.
I am Dr. kakkar(dermatologist). I have noted your concern.
There is a theoretical minimal risk only if both, you and the person using guitar prior to you, have fresh, actively bleeding cuts and if you use that blood contaminated guitar soon after that person. The important thing is that both of you should have actively bleeding cuts!which is very rare. HIV can enter body only through fresh cuts which are bleeding. A cut that is not bleeding and is a few hours old is impermeable. Dried blood is not contagious and HIV does not survive outside the body for more than a few seconds.
As a precaution you may use a sanitizer on the strings before playing the guitar.
Regards


Thank you again. Sorry that i worry about theoretcal risk
Theoretical risk - nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
yes, you are right. The risk is only theoretical.
Regards

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